"The purpose of this work is to present a
record, complete and accurate, of the American soldiers who lost their lives
in Europe in the World War.

"Before the Armistice was signed, which ended
hostilities, the writer, then in training camp, was impressed with the
importance and value of such a record as would permanently embody the
sacrifices of the me who gave all for the cause of freedom on the
battlefields of France and other fronts of the great conflict. The plan of
the work was outlined and details for assembling the photographs and
collecting other data for these volumes were worked out. The plan was made
known to Mr. F. G. Howe, then engaged in war work in Washington, and to Mr.
A. C. Doyle, who was in training camp. An Association was formed to assemble
the data, compile and publish the work. Mr. Howe immediately began the
collecting of materials and was later joined by Mr. Doyle. To them is due in
large measure the success of launching the undertaking.

"We soon learned it would be impossible to
obtain the photographs of all the soldiers who died in the great war. Many
left no photographs, the relatives of many others were reluctant to part
with the picture they had, and in some cases conditions were met most
unfavorable to the enterprise, but with an abiding faith in the value of
this record to the relatives and friends of the departed soldiers, and to
the public as a historical record, the association continued its labors with
an increasing degree of success. The collection of materials continued for
the period of over one year, during which time they were made ready for
publication.

"In all cases the best photograph available,
in many instances

the only one in existence, was procured. Some
were not clear, while others were printed on photographic paper badly suited
to reproduction, but despite these difficulties the record is measurably
complete, and the results beyond expectations. A few photographs of wounded
men are included, where convenient in assembling the pages.

"As a supplement to the photographic record
the official list of the men who lost their lives in the war is included. it
has been accurately compiled from the Official Bulletin and its successor.
While the list of names is based wholly upon the official records of the
Government as shown in the official bulletin, the information accompanying
the photographs is that given by the relatives of the soldiers. A strict
alphabetical arrangement has been followed in the list of names, but owing
to the manner in which the photographs had to be placed, an alphabetical
arrangement was not practicable. It was also found necessary to place a
supplement at the end of Vol. III, containing a few photographs from the
different states, following which will appear an index giving the page on
which all photographs not alphabetically arranged will be found.

"We are much indebted to the relatives and
friends of the soldiers, to individual members of the American Red Cross and
to numerous educational institutions of the country for cooperation in
collecting photographs. Acknowledgement is also made of services and advice
given by the officers of the Standard Engraving Company, and the Andrew B.
Graham Company, both of Washington, engraver and printer, respectively, of
this work, in planning and outlining the contents of the volumes and the
quality of workmanship and materials composing their mechanical make up.

"Throughout our labors in the preparation of
these volumes it has seemed especially proper that a record such as this be
made of the Nation's soldier dead. By their acts their names are indelibly
inscribed upon the annals of American history; their glory is immortal --
part and parcel of the glorious history of America

and of the world. We cannot add luster to
their memory. We have only sought to keep bright in permanent form the
memory of their noble sacrifice. It is our earnest desire that these columns
shall be a constant reminder of the precious price paid by brave men in a
national crisis for liberty. May the citizenship of the Republic be inspired
with as lofty ideals in the perpetuation of American institutions as were
these men defending them!

- W. M. Haulsee

Soldiers

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